What is the best location for placing a fish tank?
Putting some thought into the location of your fish tank is one of the enjoyable parts of setting up a fish tank; however, the location of your fish tank can be one of the most important things to consider. Where you place your fish tank affects everything you consider in respect to your tank, from the health of your fish that you will be keeping in it to how it will fit into the design of your space. Let’s think about some of the considerations concerning the placement of your new fish tank.
Natural Light
The first consideration will involve how much natural light surrounds the location you intend to place the tank. Fish tanks do enjoy some natural light; however, excessive amounts of light (whether from the sun or alternative sources) can create an increased potential for algae growth. Algae growth can do harm to your fish in a newly inhabited and thriving ecosystem, but it can also be an absolute chore to continually have to clean the algae growth. Therefore it is most beneficial to place your tank in a location that will receive only indirect light. If your tank is located near a window, perhaps nearby trees will help reduce excess light, or ideally, you will have access to window coverings that can restrict or limit excess natural light. Certainly, each species of aquatic life has different levels of light they prefer, so again, you will have to attempt to satisfy or find the best conditions for the species/species you are keeping when making a design location choice.
Temperature Control
Temperature is one of the most important considerations for fish, as you know, an altered environment can alter the homeostasis of aquatic life. What I mean by ‘altered environment’, is that your fish are prevented from disrupting their homeostasis, and thus stressed (which we want to avoid)! Ideally, you would want to position your tank away from heaters, air conditioners and especially any windows that may expose a draft. Ultimately, you want to find the most stable temperature/environment for placing your fish tank. Conceptually, a basement or an interior room would be the most stable in terms of temperature as long as the room was not affected by an external element. Recommended would be to obtain some sort of thermometer and take multiple temperature readings of potential rooms, to make an informed decision, prior to placing and setting up your tank.
Consider the Weight
Fish tanks can be heavier than you think when full of water, substrate and decorations! A 50-gallon tank can weigh more than 600 pounds! You will want to place your tank somewhere flat and sturdy. Avoid putting your tank on shelves or furniture that can bend, buckle or tip over. Options for placing your fish tank include dedicated aquarium stands, aquarist furniture, or load bearing countertops. In addition, you will also want to ensure that the floor beneath is flat to avoid excess stress on the seams of the aquarium.
Access for Maintenance
Obviously fish tanks will require maintenance, including changing water, cleaning and testing water parameters. Make it easy on yourself to do routine maintenance by considering access to complete the maintenance. A tank in a corner will look great, but it may be a hassle to maintenance the tank. Choose a spot where you can reach all sides of the tank readily, and you have enough room around it to move, change water or clean while comfortably maneuvering the aquarium. Be sure there are nearby electrical outlets for pumps and lights.
Visibility and Aesthetic Appeal
You want your fish tank to be the centerpiece of your home, so consider visibility. If your tank is in a high traffic area, like a living room or dining room, you will enjoy your tank more, and so will your guests. Consider the location of the tank based on the look of your house. Appropriately located, a fish tank can enhance your decor by becoming a pretty focal point. As a suggestion, you could use backgrounds or decorations that match your interior design style.
Safety
Always keep safety in mind, especially if children or pets may be present. You should place your fish tank where it can be kept from undue risk of an accidental spill or damage. Keep the tank away from areas where pets might jump and push it over as well as ensuring children are supervised when they are around your fish tank. You also must think about electrical risks. You should keep your cords and outlets out of reach and ensure all equipment is properly installed to limit accidents.
Noise
Fish can be sensitive to noise, so be mindful of your surroundings when working on a location. Avoid tanks near loud appliances such as washing machines and televisions, as noise tends to stress fish. A quieter room will give your fish a more peaceful environment and will reduce stress levels of the fish. Additionally, if you have a filtration system that creates noise, consider how it affects your enjoyment of the tank and your fish’s comfort.
Future Growth
As you improve your skill level in the hobby, your desire to build on your aquarium setup will improve as well by likely making the decision to set up more tanks or to use a larger tank. Your choice of location should take into account whether you would like to add/future tanks or equipment. Having a little bit of extra space will save you time in the future rearranging your whole setup. Depending on whether you could have a space to accommodate bigger tank may be an option as well as area for larger equipment to include viewing stands, resembling cabinets and shelving for storage!
Final Thoughts: Choosing the Best Spot
Choosing the desired spot for your fish tank is an important decision that requires careful consideration. By keeping in mind factors such as light, climate stability, accessibility, safety, and style you could enhance your fish’s environment and the look of your home. Plan ahead and think about your current needs in addition to your future options. The gratifying experience of establishing a well-placed fish tank will bring years of enjoyment and tranquility into the home!
